The project finds Witherspoon playing a professional softball player (really) romantically torn between an everyday joe played by Rudd and a charismatic MLB player portrayed by Wilson (the trade makes the point in noting his character has a 94-mile an hour fastball, like that's rare these days).

Brooks, the writer and director behind "Terms of Endearment," "Broadcast News" and "As Good As it Gets," had hoped Bill Murray would play Witherspoon's father, but the mercurial actor has lost interest in the role (it wouldn't be the first time). Now, Nicholson, who hasn't appeared onscreen since last year's surprising hit "The Bucket List," is stepping in to save the day. And because Nicholson won Academy Awards for his roles in both of his previous Brooks collaborations ("Endearment," "As Good"), speculation will follow the production about another nod until the picture's release.

Considering the film is looking to begin shooting on the East Coast this month, moviegoers and critics should know whether they struck gold again at the end of 2010.